Nissan Patrol drivers won't see many similarities with the all-new, sixth generation version of the off-roader that's synonymous with rough roads.

The new model is bigger, heavier, faster and more powerful than the model it will sell alongside for the foreseeable future. More than anything, though, the so-called Y62 Patrol is vastly quieter and more comfortable, better targeting it against its most natural rival, Toyota's LandCruiser.

Like the 200-Series LandCruiser did in 2007 the new Patrol is stepping away from its basic 4WD roots and into a more upmarket space often occupied by fancier brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Range Rover.

Just getting into the new Patrol reinforces how big it is. The suspension sits the big body high off the road, meaning it's grab handles or side steps - or both - for the ascent into the cabin.

Once there there's loads of space, including plenty of middle row leg room and ample head room all around. It's elegant enough, with wood trim across all three models (ST-L, Ti and Ti-L) and a functional layout, although the clunky foot-operated park brake is an exception.

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Everything is big, too, from the major controls to the iPad-sized centre console that cleverly opens from the front or rear.

Peering out the big windscreen gives a commanding view of the road - our test of two pre-production models took place on the closed Mount Cotton driver training facility - while squeezing the throttle reminds you of the heft beneath.

After a brief pause the 5.6-litre V8 lurches to life and uses its muscular 560Nm and 298kW to good effect.

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The engine can be noisy at middle revs but brings in a characterful V8 note as revs rise.

Performance is not an issue, with acceleration to 100km/h claimed at a brisk 6.6 seconds. That's good in any language and outguns some performance cars; it’s even more of a feat given the 2.8 tonnes the Patrol has to shift.

Fuel use isn't as impressive. The Patrol is claimed to slurp premium unleaded at a rate of 14.5 litres per 100km. We'd bank on using more than 20L/100km around town.

The 140-litre fuel tank gives it a theoretical driving range of 965km – assuming the car uses fuel at the laboratory-derived average rate.

The seven-speed automatic transmission generally shifts smoothly, although at slower speeds it can occasionally clunk into a lower gear. While our drive was brief and without freeway driving the times we cruised at 100km/h suggested the transmission would be slotting between gears to maintain momentum over small hills.

The bulk makes itself known on the road, too, with tyres that quickly begin to squeal with even modestly enthusiastic driving. Push harder and the nose starts to push wider as the 18-inch Bridgestone tyres struggle for grip, triggering the traction control into action at the same time.

Drive it gently though and the Patrol is supremely quiet and comfortable, settling well from imperfections.

The HBMC (hydraulic body motion control) that's fitted standard to the Ti and Ti-L makes a noticeable difference, quelling leaning through corners or quick changes of direction. There's still movement, but nothing like the intense swaying that takes place with the ST-L with its regular suspension.

Off-road, too, the HBMC-equipped Patrol is noticeably more comfortable and resists much of the left-right movement that can make off-roading less than enjoyable for passengers.

Our off-road jaunt was limited to some semi-challenging ascents and a muddy river. The Patrol handled it without any issues, ably scampering up the hills and avoiding any unwanted brush with nature. Only the rear mudflats grazed a rock on one more challenging section.

Really, though, the new sixth-generation Patrol isn't setting any new benchmarks but rather providing a viable alternative to the LandCruiser – albeit without the option of a diesel engine.